Don't diss our firefighters

I am proud to lead the finest group of firefighters and firefighter medics in the United States. These highly motivated professional and dedicated personnel respond to a variety of incidents for the citizens and visitors of James City County. They assume a great amount of risk to themselves to provide the highest level of emergency response.

So it was with astonishment that I read the critical comments in the Aug. 11 Gazette from Brenda Pogge's campaign. I am offended by the lack of respect to which my members and their beliefs have been subjected by her campaign. She has flagrantly dismissed our membership, our organization and our mission.

James City County Professional Firefighters Association is not a group of political lackeys marching to the lead of the Democrat Party. Incidentally, the James City Professional Firefighters Association has endorsed more Republicans than Democrats. In the past 10 years we have endorsed, among others, Jo Ann Davis, Tommy Norment and Troy Lapetina.

Conversely, Troy Farlow invested a great deal of time and effort in seeking the support of our members. He spent several hours at the fire station discussing the issues important to the members and families of our firefighters association. He not only expressed a solid understanding of the issues, he also showed tremendous commitment to the critical work our men and women do and to the wellbeing of the community by pledging to work for adequate resources, safety and prevention measures, access to the best technology, and other issues.

We evaluated the views of all the candidates who responded to our request, and proudly endorse Troy Farlow.

John Porter, President James City County Professional Firefighters Association IAFF Local 3306